Young Enterprise Inspiring Futures 2024/25

In 2024/ 2025, team Thrive & Shine, from Corby Business Academy, took part in Young Enterprise’s Team Programme, through our Inspiring Futures project. The team hoped that it would improve their confidence and develop their enterprise skills.

Team Programme is an enterprise journey for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) designed to aid transition from education into adulthood, developing independent living and employability skills. It is tailored to benefit young people with mild to moderate learning difficulties, equipping them to develop key life skills and confidence, whilst learning how to run an enterprise collaboratively.

The students decided to make a range of reusable products such as personalised water bottles, tote bags and pouches. All of these showed positive statements to promote wellbeing and a positive outlook on life. Their bags and pouches were made from natural fibres, their badges from a sustainable material from corn starch, and their cold drink cups from BPA free food grade plastic – this was all in line with their aim to be sustainable.

Their strapline 'Be Happy, Be Bright, Be You' touched the majority of their customers and judges. They won the Inspire Award for their creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial spirit. The judges commented:

“Brilliant products & an engaging presentation. It was clear to see the thought which had gone into the product and running the business, and we particularly liked how each team member's contribution was recognised, as well as reflecting on the skills they had developed.”

Lewis and Drew in the team both said that they felt that their confidence had grown and that they now believed in their sales skills, while Jenny and Lois were excited that they had developed new IT skills and a knowledge of how to use a printing press to create their personalised products. Lois is using her new skills with her own successful soap business and Jacob is now considering going into business. Thrive & Shine competed with teams of young people across England and Wales being interviewed by a panel of judges and delivering a presentation via video to the guests at the showcase. They not only won ‘Runner Up’ for Team Programme Best Advert, but they also won first place in the Team Programme ‘Best Presentation’.

Thanks to support from diverse sources, we are pleased to report that over 539 young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) participated in Team Programme in 2024/25. Many of these teams took part, thanks to Inspiring Futures.

We partnered with over eighty learning centres (SEND provision/settings) across England and Wales, also engaging teachers in these locations, to develop their skills in teaching enterprise and financial education for their learners in the long term. Creativity, confidence and aspirations were the areas where we saw the greatest degree of progression for learners taking part in Team Programme.

In addition, the following impacts for young people were highlighted from our survey data:

• 100% of learners surveyed agreed with the statement: “I understand my personal strengths and areas I need to develop.”
• 100% of learners agreed with the statement: “I can create original ideas using my imagination.”
• 78% of learners said that they know what qualifications/education they need to get to where they want to be

Inspiring Futures Case Study: Team UTC ATE from Engineering University Technical College (UTC) Northern Lincolnshire.

Team UTC ATE are a group of Year 10 students (age 14-15) from Scunthorpe in the Humber region, which is one of the most socio-economically challenged areas of the UK.

Their teacher reflected on the experience for her students, from taking part in Young Enterprise's Inspiring Futures programme: "The distance travelled for these students has been vast."

Young people across the UK face many barriers to education and learning. Through taking part in YE's Inspiring Futures programme, the team has blossomed into a close, ambitious group who have achieved a final product, that in their words ‘spreads happiness’. Their business focuses on designing and selling charming, environmentally friendly gifts. Among their range are miniature festive bobble hats and collectible 3D-printed figurines. The team chose these products carefully, reflecting their mission to create joy and reduce waste. From their packaging to materials, every step has a sustainable thread.

Team journey

When the team first formed, they had not previously worked together and they had to learn to communicate and organise their ideas. They faced initial struggles in decision making, which slowed progress and dampened motivation. Following guidance from their Young Enterprise supporter, Haggai, their thinking was challenged and they were encouraged to make tough decisions when necessary. Instead of spreading responsibilities thin, they streamlined their team, meaning everyone remaining in the group was fully committed. To bring their ideas to life, they learned CAD design and created 3D models that were cheap to make (13p), that they could sell across their school, with a respectable profit margin of 74%. It proved highly popular, with every classroom trading and showing off a collection of figurines. The team repurposed jars from a previous school project and made miniature bobble hats, sourcing materials second-hand from charity shops. This enabled the team to create responsible, accessible and unique gifts that are desirable to a market increasingly concerned about environmental impact.

Personal growth

As explained by their teacher Jen Vincent: "We have seen a new love for Business and Entrepreneurship from this group of students, which has led to them being focused on future successes through their learning in the College. Throughout the process the team noticeably overcame their doubts and believed in their own potential. Communication improved as they started listening to each other, solving problems together, and trusting their roles. They challenged each other's ideas, and collectively made tough choices to figure out pricing and production timelines."

This newfound confidence crossed over into their education. The team’s attendance at College improved dramatically. This led to greater participation in all lessons, and to thinking more carefully about their future. The students mastered a range of skills, from designing products with CAD software and gaining a powerful financial understanding of how much things cost in the real world

Lasting Impact

Having the opportunity to visit Manchester in the UK Company Final and to meet other students was a huge milestone in their journeys. One student chose to sacrifice her place at the Final, in order that one of her peers would be able to attend in her place. This decision signalled the strength of bonds within the team and the increase in their emotional maturity as individuals.

Team UTC ATE's journey highlights the transformation a group of young people can undergo when given the opportunity, responsibility, and support. The team has not only successfully run a small business and made a net profit; they have challenged their own attitudes about what they can achieve.

Evolution of Inspiring Futures

Year on year, we are increasing the reach and deepening the impact from our Inspiring Futures work. We are grateful to all the supporters who help us to provide this opportunity for young people across the UK, and the difference this makes for their long term futures.